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''Urtica massaica'' is a species of flowering plant in the Urticaceae (nettle family) known by many English names, including Maasai stinging nettle and forest nettle.〔Grubben, G. J. H., Ed. ''(Plant Resources of Tropical Africa: Vegetables. )'' PROTA 2004 pg 540.〕 It is native to Africa, where it can be found in Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.〔 This plant is a rhizomatous perennial herb up to 2 meters tall. It is covered in stinging hairs. The heart-shaped leaves are up to 13 centimeters long by 10.5 wide and have serrated edges. The plant is dioecious. The flowers are borne in panicles.〔 This plant is used for food and medicine in several African nations. It is used in Rwanda to treat diarrhea.〔Alphonse, N., et al. (2008). (Chemical study of the stems of ''Urtica massaica'', a medicinal plant eaten by mountain gorillas (''Gorilla beringei beringei'') in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda. ) ''Research Journal of Applied Sciences'' 3(7) 514-20.〕 The Maasai use it to treat stomach ache. They are used in Kenya to treat malaria. Other medicinal uses include treatment of fractures and venereal diseases.〔 The plant is also used to repel rats and to keep cattle out of crops.〔 Gorillas eat the plant.〔 ==References== 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Urtica massaica」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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